Xavi has ruled out the signing of Premier League star three times already – report

A recent report from Javi Miguel has offered an illuminating update on Barcelona’s pursuit of a new midfielder in the coming summer.

There has been a lot of noise about Barça going after a new midfielder at the end of the season, with Sofyan Amrabat emerging as one of the options. However, with the club not in a position to spend a fortune on the Moroccan international, Ruben Neves has emerged as an alternative.

Recent reports suggest Barcelona were strongly considering Wolverhampton Wanderers’ offer of around €30 million for Ansu Fati, with the option of signing Neves as part of the deal.

However, as per Miguel, Barcelona have ruled out the signing of Neves because of one reason – Xavi Hernandez.

The Barcelona coach is not a big fan of the player. He has already refused to sign the Portuguese international three times. Joan Laporta, who has a lot of faith in Xavi, has, therefore, ruled out the signing of the Wolves player.

Xavi has never said Neves is a bad player, but he has always maintained that the Portuguese international does not know how to operate as a defensive midfielder. The coaching staff itself has doubts about whether or not the player is capable of adapting to the Barça.

It comes despite the fact that Ruben Neves has harboured years of experience in the Premier League, establishing himself as one of the most highly-rated midfielders in the process.

According to the report, Xavi is preferring a move for Martin Zubimendi as the ideal long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets.

But due to his €60 million release clause, the club may alter their plans and target someone like Amrabat, even though the Moroccan himself is expected to cost somewhere around €25 million.